AFAA Treasurer Maj Bob Shumate states that he “is continuing with efforts to establish a centralized account for AFAA money. This is why checks have not yet cleared the bank. Hopefully, this situation will be resolved here shortly. My appologies to everyone, but I am digilently working to improve the system–building for the future of AFAA.”
Maj Carolyn Bennett provides information about a new product.
FitCheck – Measurement of Individual Attenuation Michael & Associates, Inc have developed a new Fit Check hardware/software system designed to allow the hearing conservationist to measure the attenuation provided by insert-type hearing protectors on the individual wearer. This capability would eliminate for the field hearing conservationist the need to rely on laboratory test methods that predict field attenuation. Since the amount of noise attenuation provided to wearers of insert protectors varies widely across the general population, laboratory performance ratings represent a “best fit” situation under closely supervised conditions.
The hardware required is a IBM compatible PC (laptop or desk), a sound card, and the fit check system consisting of a box, special fitcheck headphones and a patient response switch. The software program runs on either Windows 3.1 or Win 95. The patient data is stored in ACCESS.
The test can be performed in a normal quiet room. Since the Fit Check system is a comparison between open and occluded ear an environment to obtain threshold testing is not required.
Each worker’s individual attenuation results are compared to the database of the NIOSOH Compendium of lab results of hearing protectors. This compendium was compiled by Dr. John Franks from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Lt. Col. Cari Sherris. The test results available for immediate are a personal attenuation rating, a graph of the worker’s attenuation compared to the laboratory data, and a report of the attenuation at each of nine test frequencies. For a quick reference, a Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) appears after each test run. It is a single number estimate of the protection provided to the wearer in a flat noise exposure environment.
Pilot tests of “usability” and validity of this portable Fitcheck system will begin this month (July 1997) at NIOSH using workers from Wright-Patterson AFB. Further testing is planned for later this year hopefully as a joint effort of NIOSH and Armstrong Laboratories.
Promotions
Capt Jill Juvan
On the move
Maj Janet Deltuva was selected for the BSC Utilization Fellowship at AF Personnel Center, Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX.
Capt Will Lopez moves to Robins AFB, GA.
This fall there will be three audiologists changing jobs at Wright-Patterson AFB. Capt Joe Narrigan who proved himself dynamite in Hearing Conservation is getting his chance to go back into Hearing Conservation. He is replacing the retired but still sought after Lt Col Donald Pulcifer. Since Lt Col Pulcifer left in January this position has been open and Capt Narrigan filled in while he awaits the assignment orders.
Capt Linda Morris will soon PCA from Armstrong Lab to the Medical Center where she will replace Capt. Narrigan. She has been doing a bit of double duty in research and working at the 74th Medical Group. As you may know Capt. Morris comes to the job of Chief of Audiology at WP Medical Center with a wealth of experience at Wilford Hall Medical Center and a variety of civilian positions.
Major Carolyn Bennett, who is completing a vastly rewarding fellowship at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in Cincinnati, Ohio, will be continuing her interest in research by following in the footsteps of Dr. Mark Stephenson, Capt. Denise West and Capt. Morris and Capt. Morris as Research Audiologist at Armstrong Laboratories, WPAFB. (Who could say no to any opportunity to work with Dr. Charles Nixon?)
New Accessions
Please help us welcome Lt Laura Reid and Lt Melissa Hatcher who are audiologists at Lackland AFB, TX. Lt Reid comes to the AF from Miami University and Lt Hatcher is a graduate from Michigan State University.
Capt Trish Peters is a new Speech/Language Pathologist stationed at Lackland AFB, TX. Capt Peters is a graduate of Western Kentucky University and has prior civilian service under her belt.
Other News
Capt Will Lopez and Capt Joe Narrigan completed Squadron Officer School in-residence.
Capt Thia Sabin was awarded CRS
Capt Les Loiseau, Capt Tressie Waldo, and Capt Karen Agres all were awarded Regular AF status.
Maj Theresa Schulz was named the NHCA Outstanding Lecture Award for this year! That puts her in the same company as Elliott Berger, Don Gasaway, Carol Merry, and others!
Maj Schulz along with Maj Craig Jordan were both mentioned in the publication The Hearing Journal for their efforts to bring hearing conservation awareness to school children throughout the San Antonio, TX area. Upwards of 1 million children will be exposed to the preventive message which is a part of Operation BANG (Be Aware of Noise Generation).